Symbols In John Steinbeck's Of Mice And Men
Of Mice and Men Symbols
Throughout the novel, Of Mice and Men, Steinbeck weaves symbolism into each chapter. The author uses these symbols to express several themes within the book. Ultimately, this is a story of hope and lost dreams. We read about many recurring symbols in the book, such as rabbits, which Lennie is obsessed with. There is also George, who plays solitaire a lot, the farm where both Lennie and George dream of going, and there is the Luger gun that killed both Candy’s dog and Lennie in acts of mercy killing. One of the most abundant symbols that appear in this novel are the rabbits. Lennie is always talking about rabbits and how he wants to raise them on a farm. Childlike, he likes the soft feel of their fur and if comforted by petting them. A rabbit, like Lennie, represents innocence. Lennie’s sole desire in life is getting to tend to his future …show more content…
It might not seem significant but this is really a metaphor for loneliness. Even though he had Lennie as a companion, George was essentially alone. Not only him, but all the characters in the book are alone or lonely. “Went back to the table and set another solitaire hand”(referring to George,16). Anytime there is a break in the work George is playing solitaire. Solitaire represents loneliness as it is a one-person game. It takes patience especially when it comes to dealing with Lennie. “George cut the cards again and put out a new solitaire lay, slowly.”(referring to George,14). Without fail, George can be found laying a hand whenever he may be planning or thinking deeply. “George carefully laid his line of solitaire cards.”(referring to George,20). The solitaire game could also be a foreshadowing that George will soon be alone. Also to be noted, the town of Soledad, where the characters are living, means “solitude” in Spanish. Perhaps this another very subtle way the author is trying to establish a theme of
Throughout the novel, Of Mice and Men, Steinbeck weaves symbolism into each chapter. The author uses these symbols to express several themes within the book. Ultimately, this is a story of hope and lost dreams. We read about many recurring symbols in the book, such as rabbits, which Lennie is obsessed with. There is also George, who plays solitaire a lot, the farm where both Lennie and George dream of going, and there is the Luger gun that killed both Candy’s dog and Lennie in acts of mercy killing. One of the most abundant symbols that appear in this novel are the rabbits. Lennie is always talking about rabbits and how he wants to raise them on a farm. Childlike, he likes the soft feel of their fur and if comforted by petting them. A rabbit, like Lennie, represents innocence. Lennie’s sole desire in life is getting to tend to his future …show more content…
It might not seem significant but this is really a metaphor for loneliness. Even though he had Lennie as a companion, George was essentially alone. Not only him, but all the characters in the book are alone or lonely. “Went back to the table and set another solitaire hand”(referring to George,16). Anytime there is a break in the work George is playing solitaire. Solitaire represents loneliness as it is a one-person game. It takes patience especially when it comes to dealing with Lennie. “George cut the cards again and put out a new solitaire lay, slowly.”(referring to George,14). Without fail, George can be found laying a hand whenever he may be planning or thinking deeply. “George carefully laid his line of solitaire cards.”(referring to George,20). The solitaire game could also be a foreshadowing that George will soon be alone. Also to be noted, the town of Soledad, where the characters are living, means “solitude” in Spanish. Perhaps this another very subtle way the author is trying to establish a theme of